Read what Ronaldinho said about Messi's career and his first goal

– Ronaldinho played for Barcelona between 2003 and 2008
– The legendary Brazilian playmaker has said he will retire in 2017
– Ahead of his retirement, Ronaldinho speaks about playing career and Barcelona star Lionel Messi The former Brazil, Barcelona and AC Milan star Ronaldinho is set to retire from football and focus on a musical his career.
The 36-year-old has been a professional for the past 18 years starring in both Europe and South America. Having struggled to settle at any single club since leaving Atletico Mineiro in 2014, Ronaldinho believes his time to retire is near but also suggested he looking to play for one more year.

 He has won the Champions League and Copa Libertadores and he also lifted the World Cup with Brazil back in 2002.

Ronaldinho said: “I’ve achieved everything I wanted to and I’m grateful for that. Of course, I would have loved to have played more with Messi, he’s a great player and I’m very glad to have helped him at the beginning of his career with the assistance of his first goal.” He continued: “Having seen him go on to become such a great player, it would have been great to have played more with him, but at that time my period at Barca was over and it was time for me to move to achieve new things and set new objectives, so the time had come for me to leave.”

He added: “Messi is a great player and the Argentina national team is a great team, I believe they have a real chance of winning the next World Cup.” Ronaldinho concluded: “He demonstrates that he’s the best every day. Week-in-week-out he keeps playing at such a level that demonstrates how good he really is, so there’s no real need for him to show anymore at the World Cup.. But as my friend I always wish him the best as I do all of my friends.”